MS-PhD Dual Degree Programs

Why choose a MS-PhD Program?

Put your nursing education in high gear with our accelerated MS-PhD Dual Degree Programs. These full-time programs offer master’s preparation in one of six nurse practitioner specialty areas or a master’s in nursing education alongside advanced preparation in a research-intensive curriculum.

As a bachelor’s prepared nurse, you can earn your master’s and PhD in Nursing and Health Science in five years of full-time effort, moving more quickly toward becoming the health care leader and researcher you want to be. As a nurse practitioner, you will bring a level of research expertise and professionalism that’s rewarded with a higher salary and a stronger connection with the individuals and families in your care. As a nurse educator, you will be in high demand to teach the next generation of health care professionals in academic or clinical settings.

The MS-PhD Dual Degree Programs admit a small number of academically strong students to ensure that students receive support and close mentorship from faculty. Learning experiences are tailored toward your goals to help you build research skills and partner with researchers across many disciplines.

If you want to pioneer new breakthroughs in nursing and health science research with some of the most brilliant minds in the profession, the UR School of Nursing is the place for you.

cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in baccalaureate nursing program preferred

curriculum vitae

competitive scores on the GRE within the past five years

statistics course with a grade of B or above

professional statement indicating reasons for selection of specialty and planned topic areas for future research

a sample of scholarly writing (paper, publication, other written work)

three letters of recommendation that speak to your professional and academic abilities and achievements, potential as an advanced practice nurse or nurse educator, research potential and professional commitment. One reference should be from a clinical nurse/manager with a graduate degree. Others should be from doctorally-prepared academics

PNP: one year full-time (or equivalent) RN experience in a pediatric clinical setting prior to enrollment in NUR 412

Post-Master’s NNP: a master’s in maternal-infant/maternal-child health, or pediatrics; and two years NICU experience in the last five years

declare specialty area when applying

for international students, TOEFL with a minimum score of 560 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based) or 88 (iBT)

When all of above is received, interviews with at least two School of Nursing faculty members will be scheduled to discuss your goals and interests for pursuing the dual degree.

What You Can Do with a PhD

Nurses with a PhD and nurse practitioner or nurse educator preparation are in very high demand. Like all graduates with PhDs, MS-PhD graduates will be sought out for employment as faculty in academic nursing schools and will be especially attractive to schools with nurse practitioner programs and undergraduate nursing programs.

PhD graduates with nurse practitioner preparation will be prepared to practice in their specialty area and conduct research in a variety of academic and clinical settings. With cutting-edge skills as an advanced practice nurse and a nurse researcher, the possibilities are very far-reaching.

PhD graduates with nurse educator preparation will be especially attractive as faculty members and instructors given their expertise and advanced knowledge in the science of teaching and learning.

Application Deadlines

Students can enroll and begin full-time study in the MS-PhD Dual Degree Program in September. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Program Costs

Tuition for the coursework phase of the PhD program in Fall 2016-Spring 2017* is:

$1,400

per credit hour

*other fees may apply.

Tuition for the coursework phase of the PhD program in Fall 2016-Spring 2017* is:

$1,070

per credit hour

Program resources permitting, the School of Nursing provides full tuition awards for full-time study for up to 60 credits at the SON tuition rate and cost-of-living stipends up to $25,000 for up to four years.

Program Duration

MS and PhD courses are taken in a very rigorous three years of full-time enrollment after which the master’s degree is awarded. The student then continues to complete the PhD dissertation proposal and dissertation research.